10 Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizers For Every Skin Type
Paula’s Choice is one of the most trusted skincare brands on the market, so make sure to check out these 10 best Paula’s Choice moisturizers.
Paula’s Choice has long been a cult favorite among those who advocate cruelty-free skincare products. They’re also favored by a lot of consumers because of how straightforward and transparent they are when it comes to their products.
If you’ve been wanting to try out some of their products, here’s a guide for the best Paula’s Choice moisturizers, regardless of your skin type. But before we go on the list, let’s find out more about the brand’s history and what they stand for.
Brand History
Paula Begoun, who is also known as “The Cosmetics Cop” is an American author, radio host and businesswoman who launched Paula’s Choice back in 1995. She became popular because of her views citing that skincare and cosmetics should use ingredients that are subject to strict research reviews.
Paula’s Choice has grown in popularity since its launch because they focus so much on transparency in ingredients. And naturally, for consumers, you’d want to know what you’re actually putting on your skin.
Because of their success, there were many that took interest in acquiring the skincare brand. It was eventually obtained by TA Associates and Bertram Capital, both private equity firms and inverters, in 2016. Since then, the brand became even more successful and was proclaimed one of the largest beauty players globally.
Eventually, in 2021, Unilever bought Paula’s Choice for a whopping $2 billion. This has placed the skincare brand under the same wings as many household brands like Murad, Tatcha, Ren, and Dermalogica.
Now that we know a little about the brand, let’s talk about their products. We’ve listed down some of the best Paula’s Choice moisturizers depending on your skin type.
The Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizers For…
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
People with oily and acne-prone skin often skip moisturizers because of a persisting myth that it’s not needed or it could only make their skin condition even worse. This simply isn’t true. Well-hydrated skin is healthy skin, regardless if you have dry, sensitive, or oily skin.
The good thing about Paula’s Choice’s moisturizers and lotions is that they really cater to every skin type. Without further ado, let’s get into the best Paula’s Choice moisturizers for oily and/or acne-prone skin.
1. CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
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This award-winning moisturizer from Paula’s Choice has been proven to effectively moisturize the skin without clogging pores or causing breakouts. The great thing about this formula is that it’s oil-free and contains niacinamide, which is effective in regulating sebum production, as well as brightening acne scars (and hyperpigmentation).
Users have raved about this product and reported that they saw massive changes in the overall appearance of their skin. Some have said that their pores have visibly appeared smaller while others cited that it helped calm their breakouts.
Key Ingredients:
- Niacinamide – Helps reduce excess sebum production, lightens acne scars and dark spots
- Triple Ceramide Blend – Helps improve dry and flaky patches on the skin by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Antioxidant Complex – The combination of Licorice Root, Pumpkin, and Blueberry extract help in soothing the skin from discomfort and redness.
2. Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
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People with oily and blemish-prone skin need a good moisturizer that is light, weightless, and refreshing to the skin. This particular one from Paula’s Choice has a non-greasy formula that works best for people who have oily or combination skin.
The moisture gel is ideal for those who are looking for a good moisturizer to hydrate their skin without making their face more oily or causing more breakouts. Thanks to its advanced weightlessness and formulation, you’ll instantly notice your skin looking refreshed, revitalized, and renewed over the course of time.
Key Ingredients:
- Niacinamide – A popular ingredient that’s ideal for people who have oily and acne-prone skin. It helps regulate sebum production, as well as lighten pigmentation.
- Green Tea – This is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help soothe redness and irritation.
- Algae Extract – Has hydrating and clarifying properties that help even out the skin.
3. Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion
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The Hydralight lotion is as light as water. So, if you’re suffering from oily skin, you’ll surely love the thin formula that promises to replenish lost moisture on the skin without clogging pores.
Once you apply this to your face, you’ll notice that it dries to a smooth matte finish. The moisturizer is easily absorbed by the skin, unlike other moisturizers that just sit on top of the skin, leaving you with a greasy feel.
Key Ingredients:
- Green Tea Leaf Extract – Can improve skin’s natural moisture, unclog pores, fight acne, and reduce inflammation.
- Cranberry Extract – It’s rich in Vitamins C and E to help diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
- Cucumber Extract – Contains hydrating and soothing properties to reduce puffiness and irritation.
Dry Skin
Paula’s Choice has spent years of in-depth research to be able to formulate products with the correct ingredients to be able to help those with dry and dehydrated skin. They have come to the conclusion that to soften, hydrate, and restore the skin they need to include key elements like emollients, antioxidants, and other skin-replenishing ingredients.
Here are the brand’s 3 best rich moisturizers for people who have dry skin.
4. Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
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This replenishing moisturizer contains a blend of plant and vitamin-derived antioxidants as well as emollients. It has a luxurious creamy texture to help moisturize dry skin to help it look more soft and supple.
It instantly renews and revitalizes the skin to reveal a more radiant complexion. It is also recommended for those who have sensitive skin, and even for people who suffer from eczema.
You can apply this on your face and neck liberally in the morning and follow up by applying SPF. In the evening, you can use it as the final step of your skincare routine.
Key Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid – Helps skin retain moisture and keep it looking plump and hydrated.
- Evening Primrose Oil – A non-fragrant moisturizing oil that contains antioxidants.
5. Omega+ Complex Moisturizer
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This is a luxurious, dense cream that is packed with omega-rich superfoods to restore your skin’s youthful suppleness. The moisturizer helps nourish your delicate dry skin with the help of shea butter and a mix of Omega oils.
It’s packed with Omega 3, 6, and 9 which help in strengthening the moisture barrier of the skin. Once applied, it can instantly hydrate, soothe, and moisturize dry and flaky skin. It has a lightweight texture and might even be good to those who have dry sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients:
- Chia Seeds – Helps calm stressed and irritated skin.
- Passion Fruit – It’s an antioxidant that can protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
- Guava – A rich source of Vitamin C that helps brighten the skin.
- Flax Seeds – Helps strengthen and revitalize the skin.
6. Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with retinol
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There are two versions of this moisturizer. The one featured above is specifically formulated for people who have dry skin, and the other one is intended for people who have intensely dry and mature skin.
The Barrier Repair Moisturizer is exactly what it states on its label. It works as a moisturizer but also has anti-aging properties thanks to retinol. It has a silky texture that easily glides on the skin.
The Barrier Repair Moisturizer has the ability to prevent moisture loss and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles thanks to its retinol content.
Key Ingredients:
- Shea Butter – Has high-fat content which makes it a good emollient for people who have dry skin.
- Ceramides – Essential part of the skin’s lipid bilayer – helps with overall skin health, and is very moisturizing
- Retinol – Can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of lines and textures.
For Sensitive Skin
It can be tricky to find high-performance skincare products if you have sensitive skin: One wrong ingredient can immediately trigger a reaction. If you’re looking for Paula’s Choice products that are specifically formulated with soothing agents, you need to check out the CALM Redness Relief Collection – we’ll explore the best of the line below.
7. CALM Redness Relief SPF 30 (Normal to Dry Skin)
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The Calm Redness Relief Moisturizer is a mineral-based moisturizer and sunscreen in one, intended for people who have dry sensitive skin. It has a creamy lotion texture, unlike other sunscreens that tend to be a little hard to spread on the skin.
The moisturizer has a mixture of soothing plant extracts, peptides, and antioxidants that help calm sensitive skin. With daily use, you’ll be able to lessen the redness and sensitivity of your skin.
Key Ingredients:
- Cucumber Extract – Apart from its hydrating properties, cucumber is really gentle on the skin.
- Allantoin – Has the ability to soothe and calm the skin, especially in sensitive areas.
- Oat Kernel Extract – Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
8. Calm redness relief Moisturizer (Normal to Oily Skin)
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This moisturizer is almost the same as the one listed above, the only difference being that this version of the Calm Redness Relief Moisturizer is made for people who have oily and acne-prone skin. The lotion is lightweight and can instantly hydrate your skin leaving it feeling comforted and refreshed.
The moisturizer has a mix of non-greasy hydrating factors and antioxidants to deliver moisture to the skin while helping fight major skin concerns, like oil and acne. It also contains skin-replenishing ingredients that help you achieve a smoother and more even-toned complexion.
Key Ingredients:
- Green Tea Leaf Extract – Good at fighting acne and calming irritation
- Grape Seed Extract – Thanks to its Vitamin E and linoleic acid content, grape seed oil helps in fading skin discolorations and reduces the appearance of scars.
- Willow Herb – Has natural anti-inflammatory properties
For Anti-Aging
You can’t be young forever, but you can certainly do something about delaying the signs of aging. For dry, dehydrated, and mature skin types, these moisturizers with powerful ingredients are the best to delay skin aging.
9. Resist Intensive Repair Cream Moisturizer
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If you’re looking for an intensive anti-aging cream, look no further. The Intensive Repair Cream with retinol is formulated for people who have very dry skin, which also makes it perfect for people whose skin is more mature.
This moisturizer is infused with anti-aging active ingredients like retinol to help you achieve a firmer-looking, younger complexion. It has a rich ultra-creamy formula and should be used on your face, neck, and even around the eyes. Many users have raved about how it was able to smoothen and improve the overall texture of their skin.
Key Ingredients:
- Retinol – The most effective ingredient to fight signs of aging. It can diminish lines and wrinkles if you include it as part of your daily skin routine.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts and locks in moisture to help the skin look and feel more plump and hydrated.
- Antioxidant Blend – Aan help protect the skin from free radicals and even slow down aging.
10. Ceramide enriched firming moisturizer
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During the aging process, the skin loses ceramides which are essential building blocks of the skin’s lipid bilayer, helping the skin stay healthy and strong. To counter this, the Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer aims to provide the five essential ceramides that your skin needs. Meanwhile, retinol and vitamin C help the skin regain its luminosity and vitality.
Ceramides, retinol, and vitamin C aka ascorbic acid have all been proven effective in dramatically improving the quality of the skin, as well as delivering anti-aging benefits. It also contains their CollagenSupport Complex which helps in keeping the outer layer of the skin well-hydrated.
Key Ingredients:
- 5 Ceramides – Firm and plump up the skin to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles.
- Retinol – Again, this is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that’s effective in diminishing signs of aging.
- Pure Vitamin C – Plays a major part in collagen synthesis, plus has brightening benefits to prevent from the skin looking dull.
Is Paula’s Choice Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Paula’s Choice is certified cruelty-free. In fact, their certification has been recognized and validated by Leaping Bunny & PETA. The brand does not test its ingredients and finished products on animals. They also guarantee that neither their suppliers nor third parties involved in the production process test on animals.
Additionally, Paula’s Choice does not sell its products where animal testing is required by law.
So, there you have it! We hope that you managed to learn a thing or two about the best Paula’s Choice moisturizers for all different skin types and concerns. If you want to see more beauty-related articles, check out some of our posts below!
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